CEDAR RAPIDS, IA- Wrestling on the largest stage in collegiate
wrestling the Ephs wrestled well in spite of a couple of tough
draws. One wrestler, Ryan Malo won both of his matches on Friday
and will wrestle in the semifinals on Saturday. Currently the Ephs
are tied for 22nd place with 9 points.
Junior 141 pound Corey Paulish fell in his first match to the top
seed, Blaine Woszak of Ithaca, 10-6. In his next match Paulish
defeated Rhode Island College’s Kevin Sutherland in the first
consolation round 5-2. In the second consolation round he faced off
against another league rival John Marsh (Bridgewater State).On the
line was the title of all All-American as well as conference
bragging rights. Paulish wrestled well but ultimately lost 7-2.
157 pound senior Carl Breitenstein fell to the 7th seed Adam Weber
of Wartburg. Breitenstein was pinned in 4:07. Breitenstein’s
draw did not get any easier, in his second match he faced off
against second seeded Nick Loughan of Cornell College. Breitenstein
was unable to overcome Loughans physical style and was defeated
8-5. Head Coach Dan DiCenzo summed up Breitenstein’s career
saying, “Carl put together a phenomenal career and helped
lead the resurgence of Williams wrestling. Breitenstein was the
consummate leader all year and it is really unfortunate that he did
not reach his goal of becoming an All American.”
Breitenstein’s draw ultimately did him in; earlier in the
year Breitenstein defeated two wrestlers who went on to be named
All Americans.
Ryan Malo, wrestling at 197, went the distance against Brian Broll
of Buena Vista (IA) defeating him 5-0. Malo was just as strong in
his quarter final match against Rob Kramer of Coe College. Kramer
is a two time All American and the 7th seed in the tournament;
however, Malo was up to the challenge and defeated Kramer 6-4.
Going into the final period the match was tied 4-4, Malo earned a
quick reversal and was able to ride out the rest of the period.
Malo’s victory gives him thirty seven straight victories
against Division III opponents. Malo now must prepare for a
semifinal show down against Andy Moore of UW-La Crosse. The third
round will begin tomorrow at 11:00 EST.
For up to date brackets use the NCAA
website.
